Argumentative Essay Writing and Citation Guide

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key concepts, requirements, processes, citation rules, and editing terms for writing an argumentative essay using Turabian author-date style.

Argumentative essay

An essay that uses clear, logical reasons to persuade an audience to accept one's belief.

Beliefs

Opinions founded on solid evidence from logic (solid reasoning), facts, and examples, rather than mere feelings or attitudes.

Argumentative Essay Requirements

A 1½–2½ page, five-paragraph essay (one introduction, three body paragraphs, one conclusion) requiring a minimum of two sources, written in third person using standard formal English and Turabian author-date style parenthetical citations.

Four-Step Writing Process

The sequence of steps used to complete the essay: plan, write, rewrite, and edit.

AE Brainstorm

An initial assignment that helps get a general overview of the topic and begin brainstorming the thesis and reasons.

AE Preliminary Outline

An assignment in which a writer plans how to construct the thesis and the three main points in the outline.

AE Sources and Notes

An assignment in which a writer finalizes the outline, plans paragraphs, and compiles the outline, evidence, and list of sources planned for the essay.

First Body Paragraph Assignment

An assignment where a paragraph is written for the first Roman numeral in the AE Final Outline.

Rough Draft Requirements

A typed draft containing a title page, pledge page, five-paragraph essay, and references page.

Turabian Author-Date Style Citations

Parenthetical citations placed immediately after the author's name in the sentence when introducing evidence.

n.d.

An abbreviation placed in parentheses for sources such as websites that do not list a publication date.

References Page

A page at the end of the essay that lists every source cited in the text following Turabian author-date style guidelines.

Body Paragraph Rebuttal Requirement

A requirement during rewriting specifying that at least one body paragraph must address an opposition's concern and provide a rebuttal to it.

Clincher Sentence

A sentence that ends each body paragraph.

Restatement of Thesis

The first sentence of the conclusion paragraph that restates the essay's thesis.

Grammar Checklist Marks

Editing abbreviations for grammar errors: VF (correct verb form), Agr (S/V & P/A agreement), Ca (wrong pronoun case), T (tense), Mod (modifier misused), RO (run-on), M (mood), Comp (incomplete or incorrect comparison), Frag (fragment), and Pass (voice).

Mechanics Checklist Marks

Editing abbreviations for mechanics errors: Sp (incorrect spelling), Cap, LC (capitalization), Num (numbers), P (punctuation), Ab (no abbreviations, contractions), and Tech (technical/format error).

Sentence Structure Checklist Marks

Editing abbreviations for sentence structure errors: Logic (illogical grammatically), Awk (awkward construction), Var (vary sentence structure), and NC (not clear).